Guide to the Office of Student Records/Registrar Records, 1802-
Some material restricted. Consult finding aid for specific information.
Office of Student Records/Registrar, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine
The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for monitoring students' progress toward and certifying students' completion of the degree. Specifically, the office analyzes and approves transfers of credit and advanced placement credit, communicates with academic departments about completion of major/minor requirements, tracks the awarding of honors, and completes all documentation for international students. In addition, this office maintains student and course information, course scheduling, registration, grades, classroom assignments and transcripts.
The first registrar, George T. Files, was appointed by President Hyde in 1900. His early duties replaced much of the work formerly done by class officers and the Faculty Recording Committee: schedules, registration, rules, regulations, absences, excuses, and reports of standing. This office was also responsible for the catalogue and bulletins. Charles T. Burnett succeeded Files in 1905. It is unclear who served in this capacity after Burnett. Helen Buffum Johnson was appointed by President Sills in 1947 and served until 1979. Rhoda Z. Bernstein succeeded Johnson. Sarah Bernard replaced Bernstein in 1989 and served until 1995, the year that the Office of the Registrar was reorganized and renamed the Office of Student Records. In 2007 Christine Cote, Registrar, announced that the name of the office would revert to Office of the Registrar, the more traditional name for an office handling student records.
This collection contains the academic records of students who attended Bowdoin College and other materials produced and maintained by the Office of the Registrar. Significant holdings in the collection are the official and unofficial transcripts of all students, including summer and special students, and the signature books of all matriculants. The earliest record is from 1802; the bulk of the material dates from the mid-1880's.
This series contains the original signature books of matriculants to Bowdoin. The first two volumes are lists of attendees and cover the classes of 1806-1902.
Volumes 3 and 4 are matriculation books and contain the signatures of matriculants. This tradition began in 1841 with the class of 1845 but was abandoned in 1852. It resumed in 1872 and continued until 1902. Again abandoned, the custom was revived by President Sills in 1937. It has continued, unbroken, until the present. In these two volumes are the signatures of prominent alumni such as General Joshua L. Chamberlain (1852); Admirals Peary (1877) and MacMillan (1898); and Senators George Mitchell (1954) and William Cohen (1962).
Volume 3 contains the classes of 1845-1856 and 1941-1959. Volume 4 contains the classes of 1876-1906 and 1960-2000. Volume 5 begins with the class of 2001.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
Students Admitted into Bowdoin College, [1802-67]
Admissions to Bowdoin College [1867-98]
Matriculation Book [1841-1852 and 1941-1959] (classes of 1845-56 and 1941-59)
Matriculation Book [April 5, 1872-April 1902 and Sept. 17, 1956-September 1996] (classes of 1876-1906 and 1960-2000)
Matriculation Book [September, 1997-] (classes of 2001-)
Students Admitted into Bowdoin College (1802 - 1867) [photocopy]
This series consists of four volumes which were used to record the attendance of students. The arrival and departure dates for students from 1807-1841 were entered in the "Book of Entries," while daily student attendance from September 1891 to June 1893 was recorded in the "Registrar's Book." Also included is a Summer School of Science volume for July 1876 which lists the names and hometowns of registered students as well as the courses in which they were enrolled, the officers of instruction and course fee.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
1807-1841, Book of Entries
1807-1841, Book of Entries (photocopy)
1869, no title [Chapel attendance record book]
1876 Jul, Summer School of Science
1891-1893, Registrar's Book
This series contains student academic records from 1840. Before 1840, academic records were contained in the records of the Executive Government. The earliest records consist of oversize ledger sheets organized by class. Further divided by three terms and a year-end summary, these sheets record items such as: absences (excused and not excused) from College, prayers, public worship, recitation and lectures; neglect of themes, forensics and declamations; weekly rank at recitation; term/annual rank; deportment and remarks.
From 1859-1868, class records were kept in two bound volumes: one for detailed records and the other as a summary log. The detail records are in the same format as the earlier ledger sheets but add more columns for comments on specific areas such as: attention to study, expression for rank, and expression for conduct. The volume containing the years 1868-1874 includes both the summary and detailed records. Volume 3 of the series includes classes 1868-1874 and records individual course marks calculated weekly. This differs from previous rank books which excluded detail at the course level.
Beginning with the class of 1868 and ending with the class of 1901, class rank books were maintained to include the four year period of attendance. Thus, each of these four books contains complete student records for every fourth class (i.e., Vol. 4, 1875, 1879, etc.; Vol. 5, 1876, 1880, etc.).
Starting with the class of 1900 the format for maintaining student records changed again. At this point, pages of the register recorded an individuals' entire course level grades. This format continues through 1906. By this time, areas like deportment and chapel attendance were not recorded on a student's record.
From 1907, grades and other personal and academic information were maintained on custom-printed cards. The format of the card has changed several times over the years. In 1967, student courses and grades were also entered onto computer. At this point the hand-written card was augmented with a computer printout of a student's courses and grades. Transcripts and other academic records are currently maintained on computer. All original official transcripts not transferred to the Archives are held by Student Records.
Arranged chronologically.
Also included are microfilm copies of class ranks, 1840-1853 and 1859-1906, and microfilm copies of official transcripts of the classes of 1907-1989.
Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until the death of the individual.
1840-1844, Class ranks for seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen 1840-1841, 1841-1842, 1842-1843, 1843-1844 (missing: class rank for juniors, 1840-1841 and class rank for seniors, 1841-1842)
1844-1847, Class ranks for seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen 1844-1845, 1845-1846, 1846-1847
1847-1850, Class ranks for seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen 1847-1848, 1848-1849, 1849-1850
1850-1853, Class ranks for seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen 1850-1851, 1851-1852, 1852-1853
ca. 1859, Course schedule (loose sheets from series 2.1.2, vol. 1)
ca. 1859, Report in rank (loose sheets from series 2.1.2, vol. 2)
1859-1868, Summary of rank
1859-1871, Detail of rank (class 1859 senior year - 1871 freshman year)
1869-1877, Detail of rank (class 1869 senior year - 1877 freshman year)
1875-1899, Detail of rank (every fourth class: 1875 begins senior year, 1879, 1883, 1887, 1891, 1895, 1899)
1876-1900, Detail of rank (every fourth class: 1876 begins junior year, 1880, 1884, 1888, 1892, 1896, 1900 ends sophomore year)
1877-1901, Detail of rank (every fourth class: 1877 begins sophomore year, 1881, 1885, 1889, 1893, 1897, 1901 freshman year only)
1878-1898, Detail of rank (every fourth class: 1878, 1882, 1886, 1890, 1894, 1898)
1900, Detail of rank
1900-1904, Record of student deficiencies in rank
1900-1906, Special students - detail of rank
1901, Detail of rank
1902, Detail of rank
1902-1906, Record of student deficiencies in rank
1903, Detail of rank
1904, Detail of rank
1905, Detail of rank
1906, Detail of rank
1907-1926, Student transcripts
1918-1926, Major and minor warnings
1927-1940, Student transcripts
1941-1947, Student transcripts
1948-1953, Student transcripts
1954-1957, Student transcripts
1958-1959, Student transcripts
1840-1853, class ranks
1859-1906, Detail of rank (vols. 1-15)
1907-1960, Student transcripts
1961-1966, Student transcripts
1967-1970, Student transcripts
1971-1973, Student transcripts
1974, A-Kelley, Student transcripts
1974, Kelly-Z, Student transcripts
1975-1976, Student transcripts
1976-1979, Retakes - selected student transcripts
1977, A-Butterfield, Student transcripts
1977, Butler-Z, Student transcripts
1978, A-Z, Student transcripts
1979, A-Rosenfeld, Student transcripts
1979, Rosenfeld-Z, Student transcripts
1980-1982, Student transcripts
1980-1989, Student transcripts
This series contains paper copies of official transcript records which are stored electronically at the Office of the Registrar.
Arranged chronologically, then alphabetically.
Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until the death of the individual.
Class of 1990, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1990, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1991, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1991, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1992, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1992, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1993, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1993, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1994, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1994, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1995, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1995, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1996, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1996, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1997, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1997, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1998, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1998, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 1999, unofficial transcripts
Class of 1999, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 2000, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2000, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 2001, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2001, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 2002, A-L, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2002, M-Z, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2002, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 2003, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2003, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 2004, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2004, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 2005, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2005, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 2006, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2006, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Class of 2007, unofficial transcripts
Class of 2007, unofficial transcripts for non-graduates
Degree awarded in 2007 (not Class of 2007), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2008, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2008 (not Class of 2008), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2009, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2009 (not Class of 2009), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2010, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2010 (not Class of 2010), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2011, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2011 (not Class of 2011), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2012, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2012 (not Class of 2012), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2013, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2013 (not Class of 2013), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2014, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2014 (not Class of 2014), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2015, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2015 (not Class of 2015), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2016, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degree awarded in 2016 (not Class of 2016), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2017, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degrees awarded in 2017 (not Class of 2017), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2018, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degrees awarded in 2018 (not Class of 2018), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2019, unofficial transcripts (includes graduates and non-graduates)
Degrees awarded in 2019 (not Class of 2019), unofficial transcripts
Class of 2020 (off cycle)
Class of 2020
Class of 2021 (off cycle)
Class of 2021
This series contains the summary grade sheets and the faculty grade worksheets. These papers list, by course, the students enrolled and their assigned grade. The grade sheet is the official record of student grades.
Arranged chronologically.
Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until the death of the individual.
1972 Fall - 1977 Fall
1978 Spring - 1982 Spring
1982 Spring - 1986 Fall and grade changes, 1986-1999
1987 Spring - 1990 Spring
1990 Fall - 1991 Spring
1991 Fall - 1994 Spring
1994 Fall - 1996 Spring
1996 Fall - 1998 Spring
1998 Fall - 1999 Fall
This series contains the original official transcripts of those students who did not graduate from the College during the class years of 1907-1944. All original official transcripts not transferred to the Archives are held by Student Records.
Arranged chronologically.
Also included are microfilm copies of non-graduate student transcsripts, 1907-1944 and [1949]-1995.
Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until the death of the individual.
1907-1944, Ab-Kn
1907-1944, Ko-Z
1907-1944, A-Z
[1949]-1986, A-Z
1957-1995, A-Z
1940-1983, Non-graduates, including special students (A-Green, M.)
1940-1983, Non-graduates, including special students (Green, S.-Quirk)
1940-1983, Non-graduates, including special students (Rabin-Z)
1963-1982, Non-graduates (A-Z)
This series contains the original official transcripts of special students and those who attended summer classes between 1942-1948. Many of the transcripts are the records of students who attended Bowdoin during and immediately after World War II. These transcripts are in the same format as the regular students during this era. All original official transcripts not transferred to the Archives are held by Student Records.
Arranged chronologically.
Also included are microfilm copies of official transcripts for special and summer students, 1942-1983, and summer students, 1986-1987.
Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until the death of the individual.
1942-1948, A-El
1942-1948, Em-Ka
1942-1948, Ke-O
1942-1948, P-Tr
1942-1948, Tu-Zw
1944 Feb 12 and 1944 May 20, Basic Pre-Meteorological Unit, graduates and non-graduates
Blank diplomas
1942-1948 (A-Z), including 1944 Pre-Meteorological
1948-1983, 1986-1987 (A-Z)
1958-1979, Special Program Students (A-Searfoss)
1958-1979, Summer Institutes and Summer School of Music (Seiple-Zundel)
1959-1974, NSF Masters Degree in Mathematics, graduates
1959-1974, NSF Masters Degree in Mathematics, non-graduates
1961, Special students (Cushman-Whittemore)
1964-1978, Special students (non-graduates A-Z)
1966-1979, Exchanges and Special students (A-Z)
This series contains the summary grade sheets and the faculty grade worksheets for special and summer programs. These papers list, by course, the students enrolled and their assigned grade. There is also additional information on some of the programs in each folder.
Arranged by subject.
Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until the death of the individual.
Summer School of Music
Misc. Information RE: The Various Institutes
American Painting Summer Institute, 1974-
Experimental Course 1st. Semester, 1961-62, (for Raytheon Co. Employees)
NSF Summer Institutes in Biology, 1959- Miscellaneous RE: Summer Programs
In-service Summer Institutes in Math, 1959-60 and 1960-61
Institutes in Physics, 9/57-5/58; Sum. '58, Sum. '59
NSF Summer Institutes in Chemistry, 1959-62 incl.; 1964- .
M.A. Degree in Math, 7/69- NSF Acad. Yr. & Sequential Institute
M.A. Degree in Math, 6/59-6/63; NSF Academic Year & Sequential Institute
M.A. Degree in Math, 7/63-6/67, NSF Academic Year & Sequential Institute
M.A. Degree in Math, 7/67-6/69, NSF Academic Year & Sequential Institute
Summer Institutes in Mathematics, other than leading to Bowdoin M.A.
Naval Radar School, '41-'45
Oakes Center Summer Program
Grades in Courses, SI Participants Bowdoin Summer Institute Programs of 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962
This series contains the registrar's copy of the Bowdoin catalogue. Contained in some of these catalogues are the revisions to the published catalogue. Such annotation includes, for example, course description revisions, additional course offerings and instructor changes.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
Annotated catalogues, 1970/71-
This series contains the registration packets sent to new and returning students from 1987. Typically, the packets contain: a registration and information form, an honor system signature card, a registration and enrollment card, a schedule of courses, "Sources: Their Use and Acknowledgement," the most recent edition of the Student Handbook and other registration and course information. Over the years the forms and booklets have been revised. For example, the 1994-95 packet contains a two edition handbook, the student handbook and policies handbook.
For most years represented, their are two different packets, one for first year and one for returning students.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
Registration Packets, 1987-1993
The bulk of the material in this series dates from 1959. Prior to 1959 there is information about the Summer School of Science in the late 1870s, an 1892 class schedule, a Geographic Survey of Bowdoin Students and Alumni by Philip M. Johnson (Bowdoin 1940) and Charles H. Pope (Bowdoin 1940) and miscellaneous class lists, examination schedules, and undated notices regarding attendance requirements. Though there is variation from year to year, from 1959-1993 information is included on class and exam schedules, course enrollment, classroom assignments, grade distributions, Dean's List rosters and registration notices. Included from 1977 are reports or booklets that list the schedules of course offerings exclusively.
Arranged chronologically through 1993, followed by a chronological listing from 1977- , specifically for schedules of course offerings.
No restrictions.
1877-1955, n.d.
1939 May 25, A Geographic Survey of Bowdoin Students and Alumni by Philip M. Johnson (Bowdoin 1940) and Charles H. Pope (Bowdoin 1940) which includes data from entering classes 1916-1935
1959-1960
1960-1961
1961-1962
1962-1963
1963-1964
1964-1965
1965-1966
1966-1967
1967-1968
1968-1969
1969-1970
1970-1971
1971-1972
1972-1973
1973-1974
1974-1975
1975-1976
1976-1977
1978
1979
1980
1981-1982
1982-1983
1983-1984
1984-1985
1985-1986
1986-1987
1987-1988
1990-1993
Schedule of course offerings, 1977-1980
Schedule of course offerings, 1980-1985
Schedule of course offerings, 1985-1994
Schedule of course offerings, 1995-1996
Schedule of course offerings, 1996-1997
Schedule of course offerings, 1997-1998
Schedule of course offerings, 1998-1999
Schedule of course offerings, 1999-2000
Schedule of course offerings, 2000-2001
Schedule of course offerings, 2001-2002
Schedule of course offerings, 2002-2003
Schedule of course offerings, 2003-2004
Schedule of course offerings, 2004-2005
Schedule of course offerings, 2005-2006
Schedule of course offerings, 2006-2007
Schedule of course offerings, 2007-2008
Schedule of course offerings, 2008-2009
Schedule of course offerings, 2009-2010
Schedule of course offerings, 2010-2011
Schedule of course offerings, 2011-2012
Schedule of course offerings, 2012-2013
Schedule of course offerings, 2013-2014
Schedule of course offerings, 2014-2015
Schedule of course offerings, 2015-2016
Schedule of course offerings, 2016-2017
Schedule of course offerings, 2017-2018
This series contains several signed and blank diplomas. Also contained in this series is a large negative from which a diploma may be printed.
Arranged by category.
No restrictions.
Blank Diplomas (8), various sizes
Blank Diploma Negative
This series contains correspondence files kept by George T. Files, the first registrar of the College, from 1894-1923. Materials consist mostly of letters to Files requesting student records, grade or attendance record changes, or publications inquiries or orders.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
Indexes of Files papers collection; alphabetical and chronological
George T. Files, correspondence, 1894-1901
George T. Files, correspondence, 1901-1923
The Recording Committee is a standing committee of the College composed of faculty, students, and staff, that considers and enforces matters of academic standing for individual students, and considers exceptions to the policies and procedures governing academic life. Grade changes, graduation requirements, changes in majors, course credit, course numbering, probation, suspension, and dismissal are among the matters the committee addresses. This series contains Recording Committee agendas, minutes, memorandums, notes, reports, and probation lists. Additional Recording Committee material can be found in: Faculty Records: Recording Committee and Office of the Dean of Student Affairs: Recording Committee.
Arranged chronologically.
Restricted.
1974 Jun - 2000 Dec
Transcripts of Bowdoin students from courses taken outside of Bowdoin, i.e. summer school, study abroad, transfer credits.
Arranged by class year and then alphabetical.
Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until the death of the individual.
Classes 1989-2000
Classes 2000-2003
Classes 2003-2005
Classes 2006-2007
Classes 2008-2009
Classes 2010-2011
Classes 2012-2013
Classes 2014-2015
Classes 2016-2017
Class of 2018